Kindersley man sentenced to three years in prison for sexual offence involving child

A Kindersley man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a sexual offence involving a child, along with a separate charge related to possessing a prohibited firearm device.

Jeffrey Houle, 41, appeared in Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench on Oct. 2, where Justice Wempe accepted a joint sentencing submission from the Crown and defence.

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Houle received a sentence of 1,095 days, equivalent to three years, for the sexual offence. He was also sentenced to 30 days for possessing a prohibited device, to be served concurrently.

The court imposed several additional orders, including restitution, firearms restrictions and a requirement to register as a sex offender for 20 years.

Judge acknowledges lasting impact on victim

During sentencing, Justice Wempe addressed the serious harm caused by the offence, noting that the victim was a child at the time and that the consequences had significantly affected both the victim and her family.

The court reviewed a victim impact statement outlining the lasting effects of the offence.

“I reviewed [the] victim impact statement and it is clear that this offence has forever changed her,” Wempe said.

The judge emphasized that the victim was not responsible for what happened.

“I want to make sure that she understands this was not her fault and she did nothing wrong.”

Wempe also acknowledged that the negotiated resolution prevented the victim from having to testify before a jury and revisit the trauma associated with the offence.

The judge explained that negotiated resolutions can spare victims and families the uncertainty and emotional burden of lengthy trials.

Court considers aggravating and mitigating factors

In considering the sentence, Wempe identified the victim’s age at the time of the offence and the significant harm caused as aggravating factors.

The judge also reviewed several mitigating circumstances, including Houle’s lack of a previous criminal record, his family support, employment and a pre-sentence report assessing him as a low risk to reoffend.

Defence counsel argued that Houle had demonstrated some understanding of the circumstances contributing to his offending behaviour.

The defence also pointed to the role correctional programming could play in addressing identified risk factors.

Although the court noted that sentences for sexual offences involving children are generally higher, Wempe determined the jointly proposed three-year sentence was appropriate in the circumstances.

The judge said the sentence reflected the seriousness of the offence and the importance of denouncing the conduct while deterring similar offences.

Guilty plea entered on prohibited device charge

During the hearing, Houle also formally pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited device in connection with an incident in Kindersley on May 2, 2024.

The court heard that the device was a 30-round Glock magazine that had been modified by removing a rivet intended to restrict its ammunition capacity.

Houle did not possess the required licence.

Wempe accepted the guilty plea and imposed a 30-day sentence to run concurrently with the three-year prison term.

The remaining counts on the amended primary indictment were stayed, and the previous indictment was withdrawn.

Restitution and additional court orders

In addition to the custodial sentence, Wempe ordered Houle to pay $6,177 in restitution.

The court also imposed a $400 victim fine surcharge, payable or eligible to be worked off through the Fine Option Program by Oct. 31, 2027.

Houle must comply with the Sex Offender Information Registration Act for 20 years.

The judge also imposed firearms prohibitions, including a 10-year restriction involving non-restricted firearms and a lifetime prohibition involving prohibited firearms and weapons.

A DNA collection order was issued, along with an order prohibiting Houle from communicating directly or indirectly with the victim and several specified individuals during his custodial sentence.

The court also approved a forfeiture order submitted by the Crown and defence.

Judge accepts negotiated sentence

In explaining the decision, Wempe referred to Supreme Court of Canada guidance concerning joint sentencing submissions.

The judge noted that courts should generally accept negotiated resolutions unless the proposed sentence would undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.

After reviewing the circumstances, the victim impact statement and submissions from both sides, Wempe determined the three-year sentence met the objectives of denunciation and deterrence.

The sentencing concluded with the court accepting the negotiated resolution and imposing the accompanying orders.